THERE'S no compromise with the Porsche Boxster Spyder.

It's one for the purist, combining a traditional sports car driving experience with exemplary and exhilarating performance.

You won't find Porsche's clever PDK automatic gearbox here. No, it's six-speed manual transmission only.

And the classic fabric roof has largely to be opened and closed by hand.

It's a two-seater harking back in its design to the company's fabulous sports car heritage. Note the two streamlined ‘tear drops’ that extend along the rear lid behind the head restraints and fins that stretch to the rear.

But being a Porsche, tradition sits at the right hand of performance. This new version is the fastest Boxster ever created, has a 20 mm lower ride height, powerful 911 brakes, a 3.8-litre, 375bhp engine that will launch you from of 0 to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph.

Tipping the scales at 1,315 kg, the lithe and powerful roadster sits on special light 20-inch alloy wheels with visual elements that recall the legendary sports and race cars of the Stuttgart marque.

A Sport Chrono package with Sport and Sport Plus button, limited-slip differential, steering wheel in alcantara, bi-xenon headlights and the sports exhaust all come as standard

If looks could kill then I would be a pile of ashes beside this beautiful piece of design that might be considered more attractive than the 911.

The lower stance, twin humps over the engine bay, central twin exhaust pipes, the alloys and low spoiler on the front all make a contribution to a near-perfect package.

On a practical note, there's a spacious area under the bonnet and extra cubby rearwards of the engine that means you will accommodate a couple of weekend bags and a bit of shopping.

Against that, there was no sign of any audio entertainment on the dashboard, although a USB/iPod connector was secreted in the glove box, and the air-conditioning There can be no denying that in this latest incarnation the fabric roof remains fiddly to raise and lower. It is still a largely manual affair, but after a few practice attempts it can be packed up quickly enough to avoid a pesky shower.

From the first explosive roar behind you as you turn the key, the Spyder gets under your skin. What follows is an intoxicating mix of barks, growls, burbles and howls as you experiment with the throttle and gear stick.

The majority of the weight is centralised in the car, which lets it change direction almost disconcertingly quickly. Under power and with neutral throttle input the steering is supremely accurate through tight bends.

Normal aspiration means you can get on the throttle early without fear of breaking traction, helped by the limited-slip differential. The Spyder is far more talented than winding public country roads could ever allow it to show, and it's mighty quick in a straight line, too. Point it, prod, and you are at your chosen point in the blink of an eye.

You'll need over £60,000 to buy one without any options. The Boxster GTS is thousands cheaper and is a brilliantcar in its own right. But the Spyder is special. It's the only way to buy a Boxster with a 911 engine.

Driving a Boxster back-to-back with a 911 reveals plenty of reasons why you'd want to opt for the smaller car. Size is one, and where the Spyder comes into play, character is another. It's a lot cheaper, too, with deliciously curving bodywork that makes it stand out even in the company of other Porsche sports cars.